Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a major managerial move, with talks over appointing Xabi Alonso as their next head coach gathering serious momentum. According to talkSPORT, the Blues have made the Spanish tactician their top target, and positive discussions have already taken place.

Alonso, who has impressed during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, is said to be keen on testing himself in the Premier League. However, he wants assurances on key matters—particularly regarding transfers—and reports suggest Chelsea are ready to meet his demands.

This search for a new boss comes after a turbulent season at Stamford Bridge. The club parted ways with Liam Rosenior last month, following Enzo Maresca's departure back in January. With a shortlist of five or six candidates, Alonso has emerged as the standout choice.

Chelsea's immediate focus, though, is on Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City. The club is expected to accelerate the appointment process once the big game is out of the way, with hopes of finalizing the deal shortly after.

In other team news, there's a boost ahead of the final: Reece James is reportedly ready to start. The defender hasn't featured from the first whistle since March but made a return as a second-half substitute against Liverpool last weekend. Depending on the formation, James could slot in at right-back or even take up a midfield role.

With the FA Cup final on the horizon and a potential new era under Alonso looming, it's an exciting time for Chelsea fans. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.